The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) was established in the late 1960s to be the superior court of record for the Organizatoin of Eastern Caribbean States which also includes the independent states of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Commonwealth of Dominica as well as the three territories for British Overseas. It was established by the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order No. 223 in 1967.
The main headquarters for the ECSC is located in Castries, Saint Lucia, specifically in the Heraldine Rock Building, Block B on the Waterfront. It includes the Justices of Appeal’s chambers, the Court of Appeal Registry, the Judicial Education Institute Library and also the Administrative Services. There are also Court Offices for the ECSC located in nine member states which house the chambers for the High Court Judges as well as the offices of the High Court Registry.
The various systems and departments in the ECSC and most specifically the High Court Registry is headed by a legally trained Registrar. He provides the High Court with administrative and legal support so that it would function properly. The function of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court consists of three main duties. First is to interpret and apply the laws of various member states of the OECS. Secondly, it has to decide cases on both the civil and criminal levels. Finally, the Easter Caribbean Supreme Court must hear appeals. Simply put, the ECSC leads the judicial branch as well as interprets the law for the member states. A lot of times, the responsibilities cover evaluating laws that are challenged as to their overall makeup. They settle disputes that may arise between states and hear cases involving the laws on appeal.
Each and every member of the ECSC has a specific duty. From the chief justice to all the other justices, they ensure that the judicial system runs as smoothly as possible. The Chief Justice heads the whole of the supreme court and the Justices do their part to help in the interpretation and application of the law.
